Android devices are next up in DoD's effort to get off-the-shelf smartphones up to snuff with the Pentagon's security needs. Also, the Army looks for a better way to do two-factor authentication on mobile devices.

The agency is extending the FTS2001 bridge contract with four vendors for at least another six months. Most of the largest agencies have not fully transitioned to the telecommunications. GSA is readying several other contracts including for HSPD-12 services and strategic sourcing for wireless services.

The Defense Department is creating identity and access management tools as an enterprise service across the department. One possible way ahead, leaders say, is a single authoritative digital identity system the Defense Information Systems Agency created to support the Army's move to enterprise email.

The Defense Department will begin taking Social Security numbers off of the ID cards held by DoD employees and retirees. The changes, part of a 2008 SSN reduction plan, will begin in June, officials said.

Despite a 2006 mandate to secure mobile devices and implement two-factor authentication, only just over half of federal agencies have managed to do so. OMB submits its annual FISMA report to Congress detailing the steps the government has taken to improve cybersecurity, including spending $12 billion on cybersecurity last year.

The Defense Department is making the Pentagon's physical access control system accept Common Access Cards. Currently, people who work at the Defense headquarters and other facilities must carry two secure identity cards. The Army also will test giving smart cards to retirees.

The military issued its first secure identity card just about 10 years ago and now it's a part of the department's culture. The Pentagon is looking at how to expand the use of the Common Access Card to include transit benefits and electronic purse capabilities. The card, however, almost didn't get past the first pilot.

The long-awaited memo requires agencies to develop a plan to implement physical and computer network access controls. DHS and GSA are also working together to help agencies improve physical access control.